Kelly O'Dwyer (Higgins, Liberal Party, Minister for Revenue and Financial Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to the former Mayor of the City of Stonnington, Claude Ullin AM, who, sadly, passed away this month. Claude served as a councillor in our local area for more than 25 years, including four times as mayor. Claude's hard work and dedication have truly enriched our community. His strength of character, sense of humour and commitment to our local area were immeasurable. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his adult children, Sophie, Nicholas and Emmie-Lou, and their families.

Claude was a deserving recipient in the 2017 Queen's Birthday honours, appointed a Member of the Order of Australia—a timely and well-deserved acknowledgement of his vast contribution. It was an absolute privilege to work alongside Claude. His achievements at this year's Higgins Community Service Awards were a much-overdue reminder of his significant contribution.

It was also a privilege to say thank you to many of our other wonderful local volunteers on that awards night. The Higgins Community Service Awards enable community groups, clubs or other organisations that engage volunteers in Higgins to nominate a recipient who is worthy of recognition. Around 300 people attended this year's awards night alongside the guest of honour, the Governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau.

Volunteers play a vital role across the country, with more than six million people volunteering in some capacity in Australia. Volunteers perform a range of important work each and every day, from emergency services and sports to environmental conservation to helping in our local schools. Thank you to each and every volunteer in Higgins who generously gives their time and energy for the benefit of others. We truly appreciate your contribution.

I would particularly like to acknowledge this year's recipients. Congratulations to Beth Ashwood, Joe Battista, Anne Bishop, Ray Blythe, Joanna Brownell, Noel Buckley, Katharine Burroughs, Kylie Da Fonte, Ken Davis, Maria Demaio, Cushla DeMuth, Margaret Dynan, Barbara Dick, Sandra Dorse, Peter Duncan, Michael Feeney, Barry Fenton, Rod Fielden, Nick Foster, Rita Gelman, Periklis Giannopoulos, Nik Hadaway, Dot Haskin, Bella Horton, Caleb Hounihan, Robert Jackson, Graeme Kenny, Silvana Kerrin, Vivienne Kilfoyle, Herman Koppens, Jim Lewis, Ga Lin, Matthew Linden, Phil McCabe, Sam McKay, Tim McQueen, Francy Ordenes, Marie Plozza, Udo Polzin, Stuart Redman, Alice Ritchie, Shane Rogerson, Lorraine Sage, Anne Short, Emma Sigley, Ray Sneddon, Margaret Snyder, Peter Stacey, Lisa Steven, Glenys Stevens, Mardi Swann, Vincent Tan, Lyndel Walker, Sally Wallis, Robert Wetherall and Siew Wilson. All of you have enriched the Higgins community. We thank you for your incredible service, and we honour all of the volunteers who make our lives better.